Lewis Ferguson has left the Scotland Under-21 camp without kicking a ball.

The Aberdeen midfielder had been nursing a thigh strain all week and sat out the 0-0 draw with Mexico Under-22s on Friday.

Scotland coach Scot Gemmill said he would not take any unnecessary risks with his players.

His players are due to face Sweden in the last of their two international friendlies in Marbella today.

But Ferguson, who has hardly trained with the squad all week, has failed to shake off the effects of his knock and will now return to Pittodrie to try to win his fitness battle for Saturday’s Premiership trip to Hearts.

He is the second player to depart the Spanish training camp after Kyle McAllister also flew home following the game with the Central Americans.

The St Mirren midfielder was released early in order to help Oran Kearney’s side prepare for Wednesday night’s rearranged league outing at St Johnstone.